Purpose:  The philosophy of the Arabian Horse Fair Association Endurance Ride is to exemplify a rider who uses good sportsmanship, good horsemanship, and who finishes with a mount that is "fit to continue". 

There are other activities where endurance is stressed, though not in this format and not a part of the Arabian Horse Fair program. Hunter paces are essentially timed trail rides. Usually there are three rates of speed - hunt pace, ridden at a canter/gallop, fences either mandatory or suggested; moderate, trot and canter, fences optional; and hill toppers, for western riding or people who want a leisurely trail ride. Each division has an "optimum" time and the group closest to the optimum time wins. Hunter paces are a blast if one adores the idea of jumping out in the open but XC or Foxhunting is just a bit too much!

Rule 1 - General
A.  Receipt of a completed entry by AHFA does not guarantee acceptance to the ride.
B.  Derby requirements including membership in AHFA.
C.  Entry information and forms for entries start in October of the year before the Ride year.
D.  The Arabian Horse Fair Association Endurance Ride is an amateur sporting event. Participants who complete the Ride with the time allotted receive the classic silver buckle associated with the Ride or a certificate of completion. 
E.  All horses, mules, donkeys and ponies except lactating mares and mares in foal are eligible to compete in the Ride provided they are shod or wearing protective footwear; are at least 60 months of age; and in the sole opinion of the Ride Veterinary staff, are in fit condition to compete. 
F.  The Ride is open to riders thirteen (13) years of age and older on the day of the Ride who have paid their entry fees and signed the Ride Application and waiver of liability release forms. 
G.  All riders will be weighed in with their tack during the pre-ride veterinary check for statistical purposes only.
H.  Junior riders are dealt with in Rules 20, 21, and 22.  Those rules will be strictly enforced. 

Rule 2 - Ride Limit
The Ride start at 5:00 am, Friday morning, is limited to 150 riders, plus ten (10) other designated riders for Arabian Horse Fair Association purposes.  Horses shall be accepted in order of signup, with postmark date of entry determining the order. 

Rule 3  - Waiting List
A.   After the signup of 150 horses, regardless of payment of nomination fees and sustaining fees to the Endurance Derby, those in excess of the limit are placed on a Waiting List.
B.  Signups in excess of the limit are tracked on a Waiting List. Replacements are drawn in order of signup from the Waiting List when/if an opening occurs anytime prior to the close of the Vet-In at (or about) 5:00 pm on Friday of Ride Weekend.
C.  Replacements are drawn in order of signup from the Waiting List when/if an opening occurs anytime prior to the close of the vet check-in at (or about) 5:00 pm on Wednesday of the Futurity Ride.

Rule 4 - Payment
A.  Full payment of all fees (as specified on the Application Form) must accompany your entry application when it is sent in order to warrant consideration.
B. Entry applications received after the regular application deadline are subject to a $50 late entry fee.

Rule 5 - Refunds
A.  No shows will not receive a refund. 
B.  All refunds are payable 30 days after the completion of the Ride.
C.  At no time to any person shall there be a refund for nomination and sustaining payment fees into the Endurance Futurity. 
D.  Those horses making the Pre-Ride Vet Pull shall receive a full refund minus the $50 administrative fee.

Rule 6 - Cancellations
A.  Cancellations will be accepted up to two weeks (14) days before the start of the ride. 
B.  Cancellations will receive a refund of entry fee only minus a $50 administrative fee.   
(Please Note: If you are on the Waiting List on or after that date, you may cancel your application and still qualify for a refund. Once notified that you are accepted, however, no refund will be made for canceling.)

Rule 7 - Qualifying Requirement
A.  Riders applying to compete in the AHFA Endurance Ride must have already completed a minimum of 150 competitive distance miles (lifetime accumulation.) This experience requirement can be met by having previously completed the AHFA Endurance Ride or by having completed 150 miles in rides of at least 50 miles each that are sanctioned by AERC, NATRC, and/or a foreign or international equivalent. This requirement applies to the Rider only, not to the horse.
B.  Exception shall be made to those involved in the initial ride of each AHFA Designated Ride.

Rule 8 - Difference in Ride Rules
Rules governing the AHFA Endurance Ride differ in some respects from those of other AERC sanctioned rides. The AHFA Rules will be applied and adhered to before, during and after the Ride.  Please read these rules carefully.

Rule 9 - Safety Rules
Riders under the age of eighteen (18) are required to wear the ASTM/SEI certified safety helmets.  All other riders are encouraged to wear protective headgear. 

Rule 10 - Ride Start
Riders must assemble, with their horses, at the starting line, fifteen (15) minutes before the official starting time of 5 am, and must leave the starting line no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the official start of the Ride.

Rule 11 - Trail and Cut-Off Times
A.  The Ride is well marked. 
B.  Riders must stay on the trail at all time throughout the Ride and meet the cut-off times established for each checkpoint.
C. Riders must reach the finish line within twenty-four (24) hours' elapsed time from the official starting time to be eligible for an award. 

Rule 12 - Inhumane Treatment and Ride Medications Policy/Prohibited Substances

A.   Medications

1)  The use of any medication and/or substances that alter, or potentially alter the natural performance of any horse in any event/class/ride sponsored or sanctioned by Arabian Horse Fair Association is not allowed.  

2)  During competition, the use of prohibited substances is expressly forbidden.  This means there cannot be administered or used prohibited substances by anyone on the animal participating in the AHFA ride, sanctioned or sponsored, during competition and that no such substance will be found in the blood or urine when tested. 

3)  Not using prohibited substances before, during, or in training for these rides is the best way to avoid a positive drug test.

4)  Competition means from the time of the pre-ride veterinary check exam until after the final vet exam at the finish line or until after judging for any Cups or Special Awards. 

5)  Medication Statement

aa)  Both rider and/or attending veterinarian must sign a statement listing any medication used within two weeks of the ride.
bb)  This statement must be provided and reviewed by the main ride veterinarian prior to or at the pre-ride examination for approval before the horse will be allowed to take part in this ride.

6) Prohibited Substances

Prohibited substances specifically include but are not limited to the following:
aa)  any substance administered by injection or stomach tube or rectally;
bb)  any alternative or invasive therapy, manipulative procedure, or device used to stimulate acupressure or response points; to include, but not be limited to acupuncture, chiropractic osseous manipulations, bioscan, laser devices, magnetic stimulation devices, electronic or electromagnetic devices;
cc)  vitamins in megadoses (administered to alter performance and not for nutrient effects);
dd)  nutrient substances in megadoses to achieve a pharmacological effect (dmso, dmg, yucca, msm-label amounts as an anti-inflammatory);
ee)  anti-inflammatory-steroidal or nonsteriodal (butazolidine, banamine, arquel, motrin, desamethazone);
ff)  stimulants that include caffeine and chocolate;
gg)  depressants or tranquilizers (conventional or homeopathic);
hh)  antibiotics as in procaine penicillin which contains forms of anesthetic and trimethoprim-sulfas;
ii)  antihistamines;
jj)  vasoactive (isozsuprine) and all bronchodilatory agents;
kk)  masking substances which can include injectable thiamine, sulfa drugs, and benzimadole dewormers;
ll)  any other categories including but not limited to dipyrone and lasix (furosemide);
mm)  any injectable containing propyl-ethlene-glycol as a carrier;
nn)  liniments that contain dmso, menthol or camphor, including bigeloil or mineral ice;
oo)  natural and holistic preparations containing herbs, animal/insect extracts;
pp)  as new drugs develop and testing technology develops, there will be periodic revision of these or future lists.   

7)  Inhumane Treatment

Rule 13 - Allowable Substances
A.  Compounds that are classified as feedstuffs are allowable before and during competition;
B.  manual massage is allowed during competition;
C.  non-absorbable topical wound dressings;
D.  rubbing alcohol;
E.  ice and ice water.
F.  If you are unsure, don't use!

Rule 14 - Veterinary Inspections
 A.  The care, comfort and health of the horses (equines) are of concern to the Ride Veterinarians from the time of arrival to the time of departure when horses are in their means of transportation units headed home. 
B.  Riders are required to comply with Ride Veterinarians at all times to their instructions with regard to the care of the horse (equine) before, during and after the Ride until released by a Ride Veterinarian. 
C.  All equines are subjects to salvia, urine, and blood tests at any time.
D.  Each rider must, in all cases, be present with his/her horse at every inspection (a friend or crew member can trot the horse out in the presence of the rider and the veterinarian). 
E.  Each rider is responsible for informing the veterinarian of any problems his/her horse may be having.
F.  Any conflicts or disputes involving the veterinary judging of an equine shall be resolved on the spot by the Lead Veterinarian at that stop, whose decision will be final.

Rule 15 - Rules for Crews
A.  A crew member is defined as anyone who provides material support for an equine or rider during the Ride.
B.  Riders will be held responsible for the actions of their crews.  Crew members must comply with all Ride rules and with all the regulations and instructions issued by Ride management.  They must also comply with all parking, traffic and access instructions. 
C. Failure to comply with any rules or instructions may result in the disqualification of the crew's rider. 
D.  Crews are to help the rider and equine at official checkpoints only.  Crews must not meet riders at isolated, out of the way spots or follow the riders along the trail. This kind of extra help will result in disqualification of the crew's rider. 
E.  Crews are only allowed at the designated crew checkpoint sites on the Ride:

Rule 16 - Enforcement during the Ride
A.  Any and all of these rules will be enforced by Ride Management and the Veterinarian under the direction of the Ride Director. 
B.  Disqualification for a violation of Inhumane Treatment, violation of the drug and prohibited substances, may be ordered by any Ride Veterinarian whose decision shall be final. 
C.  With respect to all other rules, the Head Volunteer, at each vet stop, in consultation with the Ride Director, or the Ride Director his self/herself, are authorized to disqualify a rider during this Ride. 

Rule 17 - Ride Finish
A.  Placement and finish time is determined at the final check-in. Successful completion of the Ride requires the rider to arrive within the 24 hours' elapsed time from the official starting time. 
B.  Riders are urged, for safety, to dismount at the final check-in Area and lead their mounts up to the final vet check at the end of the Ride.  The pathway will be marked by glow sticks to guide those arriving in the dark.
C.  Equines must be presented for a final veterinary check within thirty (30) minutes of their "finish time" in order to receive a completion.

Rule 18 - Common Sense Rules of the Trail
A.  Common courtesy and good sportsmanship govern the use of the trail. Riders must, at the first opportunity, give passing room to an overtaking rider who asks for the "trail please". 
B.  If a horse is a kicker, it must have a red tail warning.
C.  Hikers have the right of way at all times.
D.  Because of extreme fire danger, smoking is prohibited on the trail of the Ride and strongly discouraged in camp and at vet stops.
E.  Consumption of alcoholic beverages by riders and their crews is prohibited.
F.  Dogs must be leashed at all times.
G.  Everyone is required to comply with the rules of the grounds for starting and ending the Ride, the U.S. Forest Service, and the other landowners with respect to the use of their lands.

Rule 19 - Post-Ride Protests and Sanctions
A.  Rule violations shall be called to the attention of the rider and his/her crew as the incident occurs.  Violation of any or all of the rules or directives of the Ride shall be grounds for disqualification from the Ride.  This shall include any violations of drug testing, inhumane treatment, or use of prohibited substances. 
B.  Rule violations, with the rider's name and number, shall be report to the next Head Volunteer official.
C.  Rule violations shall be reported in writing at the finish line, if not before, to the Ride Director. 
D.  All protests must be submitted by 10 (ten) am on Sunday morning after the Ride.  Protest forms will include the person who is lodging the complaint.
E.  Both parties and any known witnesses will be required to meet on the complaint at noon on Sunday when a decision will be made whether to withhold the alleged violator's award.
F.  A final decision on the issue will be made and is final.  The Committee will include the Ride Director, the Head Ride Veterinarian if needed, and a member of the Disciplinary Committee from AHFA. 
G.  Drug Violations

1)  The rider will be disqualified if prohibited substances are found to have been used as determined by drug testing or other means.
2)  All reported violations will be forwarded to the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee for Arabian Horse Fair Association.
3)  Rider will be notified as called for by the Disciplinary Committee rules for Arabian Horse Fair and given the opportunity to present any mitigating facts as called for in the D.C. rules. 
4)  Decision of the D.C. shall be final and the rider will be subjected to the penalty fines and/or suspended time as called for in the D.C. rules under drug abuses.

Rule 20 - Junior Riders and Sponsorship
A.  Entries of minors from 13 to 17 years will be accepted only if accompanied at the time of entry with the entry of an adult rider (21 years or older) as sponsor.   
B.  The minor must accompany the sponsor at all times during the event and receive careful and thorough supervision. 
C.  No sponsor changes are allowed without approval of a ride officered and written acceptance by a new sponsor.  A minor under 18 years of age may not continue in the ride without the adult sponsor. 
D.  The penalty is disqualification.
E.  Junior Riders must remain in the immediate company of their Sponsor throughout the Ride.  In the event that the Sponsor is unable to continue, the Junior must either withdraw from the Ride or obtain another Sponsor.
F.  Each Junior Rider is provided a card at Ride Check-In which should be carried in addition to the Vet Card.  In the event that a change of sponsor is necessary, the new Sponsor's name must be added and the Head Volunteer (or Ride Director) at the Vet Check must approve the change. 
In addition the form must be completed and signed by the Current Sponsor, the New Sponsor and the Vet check Head Volunteer official.
G.  Head Volunteers will have spare copies available of the Change of Sponsor Form.  The Junior and Sponsor do not need to carry copies with them.  

Rule 21 - Responsibilities of Sponsor
A.  Failure to follow the proceedings is grounds for disqualification.
B.  Original sponsor must attend the pre-Ride Junior/Sponsor briefing held the afternoon before the ride. 
C.  The Sponsor and the Junior rider must stay together on the trail and in the vet checks.
D.  If the Junior rider is pulled, the sponsor must assure, before continuing, that the junior will be transported and rejoined with their parent or other responsible adult as soon as possible. The junior must not be left to 'make it on his own'.
E.  If the sponsor is pulled, but not the junior, the sponsor must not depart the checkpoint area until a new sponsor has been properly established or the junior has withdrawn as well.  The new sponsor must sign the transfer form, agreeing to adhere to all rules regarding  junior sponsorship.  This responsibility must not be taken lightly.  The transfer must be approved by the checkpoint Head Volunteer official.
F.  Transfer of a junior to a new sponsor will take place only after the current sponsor has withdrawn and a qualified new sponsor is obtained.  Transfer of a junior's sponsorship is not permitted where the current sponsor remains in the ride.

Rule 22 - Responsibilities of Junior Rider
A.  Failure to follow the proceedings is grounds for disqualification.
B.  Attend the pre-Ride Junior/Sponsor briefing held the afternoon before the ride. 
C.  Stay with your Sponsor throughout the ride.
D.  Carry copies of this Change of Sponsor form with you in the event you need to obtain a new sponsor during the ride.  Your current sponsor, your new sponsor and the checkpoint Head Volunteer (or Ride Director) official must sign one copy as authorization for a transfer of sponsorship.  A separate copy must be filled out for each subsequent transfer. 

Rule 23 - Horse Substitutions
A $25 administrative fee, payable at Ride Check-In, will be charged for horse changes made at Check-In. Although Ride entry applications are acceptable without the mount being identified, riders who fail to provide the AHFA office with the equine's identity by one week prior to Ride Day will be charged the Horse Change Fee at Check-In.

Rule 24 - AHFA Cup
A.  Arabian Horse Fair Association Cup contenders must remain at the riding ending area through completion of judging on Sunday morning following the ride.
B.  There is no weight requirement for competing in either Cup Awards. 

Rule 25 - Dates of Ride
Every effort will be made for the dates set for the Ride to not conflict with a major endurance ride in the United States; however, AHFA cannot/will not guarantee for there not to be a conflict with some ride somewhere in the U.S.  

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Questions -  You are welcome to contact AHFA with additional questions you may have  
                  
Vendor Registration guidelines and regulations will be posted at a later time along with an elevation profile map of the ride with all stops and descriptions of stop, with click able trail maps, sun and moonrise data, directions to each crew stop and vet check as well as recommendations for riders, recommendations for crew teams for rider and an outline of the crew guidelines.

Getting a preview of the trail course and location of checkpoints, equipment considerations, taking care of yourself and your mount after the ride, training for the rides with articles written by participants are all for the future.   
                     
Links for your use:

North American Trail Ride Conference
http://www.octra.on.ca/

mountain region endurance riders
http://www.mrer.bravepages.com/

Redwood CALIF Empire Endurance Riders
http://www.redwoodendurance.org/

Texas Endurance Riders
http://www.possumwalkfarms.com/TERA/

Ontario Competitive Trail Ride